Youth organisation Woodcraft Folk is now part of the New to Nature programme. Funded by the National Lottery Heritage Fund, this programme provides paid work placements for young people between 18 and 25 years old in the nature and environment sector.
The main goal of this programme is to provide a life-changing experience for young people with different backgrounds. It is a great chance for them to try something new and discover a range of environmental roles.
Thanks to this programme, Woodcraft Folk hired a new Trainee Centre Assistant Carmen Mallinson-Pocock who will work at Lockerbrook Farm Outdoor Centre, one of Woodcraft Folk’s outdoor centres. The centre is located in the heart of the Peak District National Park and Carmen will support and help run the centre for children and young people for the next year.
Carmen’s responsibilities are to help with site maintenance, housekeeping, getting the centre ready for visiting groups and also welcoming groups of children and young people in a stunning location. Carmen’s role is one of 70 that will be created across the UK at different organisations to encourage young and diverse talent into the Natural Environment sector. The placement will include additional elements of training and personal development support provided by Groundwork UK and partners, as well as placement training and support from Woodcraft Folk.
Carmen has been a Woodcraft Folk member since she was two years old, she grew up with Woodcraft and says she ‘always wanted to work for a meaningful organisation that shares her values’.
The roles provided through the New to Nature programme enable a young person to try something new, and take a first step on a career path where they can make a real difference to the natural world.
Carmen is really excited about the placement and says:
“I feel so lucky that I got this job, Lockerbrook is such a beautiful site to work in. Don’t hesitate to come to Lockerbrook and see all that it offers!”
